"It's true we have an unstable situation in the team at the moment because we have certain players who create this problem," Zenit's Italian coach Luciano Spalletti told reporters on Saturday without naming any individuals.

"I can say that these players are wrong and we'll deal with them because if you don't, then the whole team would suffer."

Denisov, who was also made Russia captain this month by national team boss Fabio Capello, is no stranger to controversy.

The 28-year-old, who rarely speaks to the media, refused an invitation to join the national team for Euro 2008 by then Russia coach Guus Hiddink after being upset at being omitted from the initial squad